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Thanks, Jordan: NBA world reacts to ‘The Last Dance’ finale

Leigh Nald Cabildo

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Thanks, Jordan: NBA world reacts to ‘The Last Dance’ finale
NBA players and personalities share their thoughts as 'The Last Dance' wraps up with the airing of its final two episodes

MANILA, Philippines – Basketball fans all over the world tuned in to the last two episodes of the documentary The Last Dance, which featured behind-the-scenes stories of the Chicago Bulls’ last championship run in 1998.

Sports personalities shared their appreciation for the 10-part series, which was originally scheduled to air in June but was moved to April after the coronavirus pandemic put sports at a standstill worldwide.

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young said his love for Jordan grew after watching the series, while Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes and former NBA player Nate Robinson called the Bulls icon the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). 

Indiana Pacers guard Vic Oladipo called The Last Dance inspirational, while Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson asked for a similar documentary about the late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

Former Lakers forward Pau Gasol, who played for Phil Jackson in Los Angeles, wanted to see more of the Bulls’ story, while retired NBA player Quentin Richardson and Brooklyn Nets rookie Nicolas Claxton tagged the documentary as the best of all time.

Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris and Houston Rockets forward Robert Covington said the series is much-needed for sports fans who are stuck at home.

The final episode captured the story behind “The Last Shot” – the championship-clinching basket Jordan hit over Bryon Russell and the Utah Jazz in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals.

Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic shared the image of the shot and called it the “best photo in basketball history,” while writer JA Adande said that even after 22 years, he is still amazed by the iconic shot. 

One of the biggest revelations in the series was shown in Episode 9, where Jordan bared that he actually suffered food poisoning prior to the “Flu Game” in the 1997 NBA Finals.

Jordan ate a whole pizza, which was delivered by 5 guys, the night before the crucial Game 5 in Utah, and fell sick later.

Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum dubbed the “Flu Game” as the “Pizza Game,” while Orlando Magic center Mo Bamba and journalist Mina Kimes poked fun at the 5 deliverymen.

In back-to-back seasons, the Jazz fell short of the title to the Bulls, but despite their losses, fans still appreciated the duo of Karl Malone and John Stockton.

Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr believes the duo should be part of the “greatest of all time” conversation, while current Jazz star Donovan Mitchell quickly consoled Utah fans.

The final episodes did not just focus on Jordan as they also explored the story of Steve Kerr, who turned emotional recalling the brutal death of his father Malcolm. 

Kerr focused on playing basketball to deal with the pain of losing his father, and in the 1997 NBA Finals, the current head coach of the Golden State Warriors hit the biggest shot of his career – a game-winning jumper that gave the Bulls their fifth title.

Eric Paschall and Festus Ezeli, both mentored by Kerr in Golden State, praised their coach. Dallas Wings guard Katie Lou Samuelson also expressed her admiration for the former Bulls guard.

Just before the series wrapped up, Jordan delivered one last meme – this time while reacting to team owner Jerry Reinsdorf explaining why the Bulls’ chase for a seventh title did not happen.

– Rappler.com

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